Veterans' Post Re-elects President

HERE 'N THERE

Joe Kokoszka must hold a record of sorts. Either that, or he's going to repeat himself until he gets it right.

Kokoszka has been elected commander of the St. Mary's Catholic War Veterans Post No. 1166 in Middletown for the thirteenth year in a row.

All other officers also are repeating their terms. They are Vice Presidents Kenneth Eyles, John Halish and Robert Cyranowicz; Treasurer Bill Hunt; Adjutant Officer Robert Rogala; Judge Adjutant Ted Raczka; Welfare Officer Kenneth Fields; Officer of the Day Anthony Kosienski; Service Officer Edward Drysgula; historian Frank Killian; and trustees Stanley Kokoszka, Ronald Organek and Stanley Koba.

Kokoszka served as a Seabee in the Pacific during World War II. He helped found the local post in 1948. He's held several state-level posts, including state commander. He serves as a board member on the national department of Catholic War Veterans.

He admits it's hard to get new members -- most are World War II veterans -- even though wartime service isn't a membership requirement. Post No. 1166 has 180 members.

``We're living in a good economy,'' said Kokoszka. ``War is so far removed, even the Vietnam War is 35- 40 years ago. Remember Iran and Kuwait? The soldier came into his own for a month and a half. I don't think [membership] means that much to them.''

Still, the post remains active and continues to perform community service. It sponsors several youth programs, including poster contests, spelling bees, a Little League team and a Boy Scout troop. Last year, the post distributed $1,000 in prizes to local schoolchildren and sent two students from St. John School to Washington to take part in a national spelling contest.

This year, the national department of Catholic War Veterans is hosting the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day Nov. 11. Kokoszka will be there.

*

Speaking of World War II, the Ivoryton Playhouse Foundation will bring back the music and dance steps of the '40s at a Veterans Day dance Saturday at the playhouse on Main Street. Dancing to music by the Joint Chiefs of Swingstarts at 8 p.m. For those who don't remember the steps, the Gunnar Johnson Select School of Dancing will give free swing lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for veterans, $8 for veterans in uniform (full or partial) and $15 for everyone else. Refreshments will be served.

*

The Middletown Elks started a new tradition this year by honoring people who have contributed to the Elks and to their community. The new honorees are Robert Jagoda, 1998 officer of the year, and Georgianne ``Georgie'' Leone, 1998 citizen of the year.

Jagoda rolled up his sleeves and got to work for the Elks as soon as he joined in 1971. He's served on its youth activities, house, flag day and Thursday and Saturday night supper committees. In 1977, he was elected exalted ruler. This past year, Jagoda was chairman of the house committee. This important committee oversees many functions throughout the year. Jagoda is a U.S. Postal Service retiree.

Leone is a charter member and past president of Middleown Emblem Club No. 452. She was just elected as an officer on the national level of Emblem clubs. The project closest to her heart has been the local Emblem Club's drug awareness program. She started the program five years ago and remains chairwoman. In 1996 she received national recognition for the program. Leone also is chairwoman of the local prevention council. A city native, Leone now lives in Haddam with her husband, Raymond Leone, and hermother, Jo Lock.

*

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens is celebrating 10 years of providing food for needy folks along the shoreline and lower Connecticut River valley. Organizers plan several events to commemorate the event and raise money for the charity.

First up is a concert, appropriately titled, ``Singing for Joy.'' It'll be Nov. 21 at the First Congregational Church of Westbrook, beginning at 8 p.m. Featured will be the Capella Men'sChorus. Barry Aschwill direct, and Donna Breenwill be accompanist.

Tickets are $10 ($8 for senior citizens and students). Information is available by calling (860) 388-1988.